Spyware is designed to intercept or take control over the interaction you have with your computer without your consent. Spyware collects personal information (in addition to your passwords and surfing patterns, good spyware can also get credit card and bank information), redirects your browser (I inadvertently downloaded spyware one time that would send me to the same advertisement no matter what web link I typed in or clicked on), and spyware can actually change your computer settings affecting how you connect and how fast you connect to the internet. Anti-spyware protects your computer from spyware. A good anti-spyware program will catch spyware before it infests your system and a great program will catch in and get rid of it once it’s on your computer. It is important when deciding to use anti-virus software to make sure you are at a legitimate website before downloading.

Viruses (also called malware) are similar to spyware except they are not designed to find personal information. Viruses are designed for the purpose of destroying your computer. They do this by deleting and partially deleting files throughout your computer. Viruses are most easily spread through email and websites. However, viruses are also attached to .exe files. In order for the virus to work, it must be executed. These are just as damaging to your computer as spyware. Strong anti-virus software is a must if you are connected to the internet and even if you’re not as viruses can piggy back in through burned software or floppy disks.

Registry cleaners are another thing you should be aware of if you’re a computer user. The verdict is out on this one. Some experts suggest that because Registry Cleaner removes data that is no longer in use (these are designed for Windows OS) it frees up space and helps eliminate data that could be slowing your computer down and since manually cleaning out your computer register would take a ridiculous amount of time, these programs are beneficial. On the other side of the argument, experts argue that using a register cleaner makes a user more open to malware infection, and does not affect the speed, especially if there are multiple users with their own log ins. The jury is out on this one.

In short, your computer health is dependent upon your willingness to take care of it. Anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are essential. If you want a registry cleaner, research and find out if you should use one based on your computer usage.



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No Adware Software Review

If you surf the Internet very often, or even at all, there is a spyware hoax that you should be aware of. There may come a time when you are looking through a website and come across a popup that claims that you have spyware on your computer. The popup will ask you to click so that you can scan your computer for spyware, and remove it. If you get a popup like this, you absolutely do not want to click on that popup, as it will install harmful files to your computer.

Unfortunately, if you do get this popup you most likely already have spyware installed on your computer. There are a number of places where you may have picked up spyware; they include peer-to-peer file sharing, gambling sites, **** sites, email attachments, as well as by downloading, and installing freeware or shareware programs.

Don’t be lulled into thinking that you will be immune to spyware if you have great anti spyware software installed on your computer. To be on the safe side, you should always avoid these types of activities to begin with, and if you do detect these files with anti spyware tools, ensure that the files are removed from your computer immediately.

If, despite having the best software on your computer, you do come across the spyware popup, do not click on it; instead you will need to find and install the best anti spyware tools that are available. After you have done this, you will need to scan your hard drive and find the spyware that was placed on your system and remove it.

To keep your computer running at its top capacity, having anti virus software just isn’t enough. You also have to have quality anti spyware tools that will help catch a problem if malicious file try to download to your system. In addition, you have to do some regular maintenance on your computer, which includes scanning for spyware files. And remember, to really be safe it is best to keep away from questionable sites where you could pick up these dangerous spyware files.

The same as a car, a computer will only run the way it is suppose to if it is taken care of. You wouldn’t think of running your car without motor oil, so don’t run your computer while it is infected with spyware. Give your computer a tune up that includes using anti spyware utilities.

By: Alex Hawk

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No Adware Software Review